At this point, I’ve almost gotten used to the Mets getting shut out. It’s come to that point. They got a decent start from Fernando Nieve going 6 innings and giving up 3 runs. That’s enough to make a game of it on most night… for most teams.
Once again, the Mets had nothing going on offense at all. They only had 4 hits in the game and two were by Daniel Murphy. Again, there were no extra base hits. It’s ugly.
Bronson Arroyo got the complete game shutout tonight for the Reds.
The story of this game is that Livan Hernandez got lit up by the Phillies for 7 runs in 3 innings. When that happens, the game is usually over. And it was in this case. The bullpen came in and threw five shutout innings, only giving up one hit.
On offense, Ryan Church was 3 for 4 and raised his season average to . 300. He’s looked so good lately going the other way. His swing has always been the classic lefty pull hitter swing, but he’s really driving the ball to left field now and he played a pretty decent center field tonight.
There were two defensive bloopers by the Mets tonight that looked awful. It had absolutely no impact on the game because the Mets were out of the game so early. But Fernando Tatis didn’t cover second on a single up the middle and allowed Jimmy Rollins to walk into second base. And Daniel Murphy missed an easy throw at his chest from David Wright. The ball got by him and he and Brian Schneider both stood around while Shane Victorino walked to second base. Both plays were really ugly. Tatis isn’t normally a second baseman and Murphy doesn’t seem to be able to play anywhere capably in the field.
The Mets drop the first of three to the Phillies.
This was a rain-delayed wild one. For starters, Tim Redding was terrible giving up 5 runs in 2.1 innings. When that happens you start to think the game is a lost cause but they came right back scoring in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to take an 8-5 lead.
The Mets got big offensive games from Fernando Tatis and Ryan Church getting 3 hits apiece. Daniel Murphy had a big pinch-hit single that scored two runs in the fourth inning that got the scoring started for the Mets.
Everything was looking good with the Mets leading 8-6 going into the bottom of the ninth. But Francisco Rodriguez didn’t have it at all. He gave up a pinch-hit single to Freddy Sanchez and then a homer to Adam LaRoche to tie the game.
Church had a game winning hit for the second straight day. He scored Tatis with the winning run in the tenth inning. Rodriguez pitched another inning in the tenth, which I was surprised to see. But Jerry Manuel didn’t have too many options in the bullpen. He used six relievers in the game because Redding got bombed so early.
The Mets win their second straight heading into Philly. But don’t plan on seeing K-Rod tomorrow. He threw 46 pitches in this one.
There’s been so much talk, as there always is this time of year, about the Mets trade possibilities. I’m as guilty as the next person is about writing and talking about it. But I started thinking today that the Mets could get some much needed offensive help right off the street. There are two players that could walk in and start on this team right now that are unsigned. Omar Minaya needs to get creative before the non-waiver trading deadline and here’s how to do it.
Richie Sexson– Sure, his ’07 and ’08 seasons were forgettable. And I know he got a reputation as a locker room problem in Seattle. But didn’t Gary Sheffield come with baggage? And he’s worked out pretty well so far to say the least. Sexson is 34 years-old and a lifetime .261 hitter with 306 home runs. I’d much rather see him at first base until Carlos Delgado gets back than Daniel Murphy/Fernando Tatis. Big Sexy for first base.
Barry Bonds– I know, I know. I keep advocating for Bonds. But he could fit in nicely for the last 90 games of the season as an outfielder/pinch hitter. A Bonds/Sheffield platoon situation in left field would keep both players fresh and provide some more power in the lineup.
As much as the Mets are trying to showcase Fernando Martinez for a trade, he needs to hit to be traded. And that hasn’t happened, not even close. The Mets don’t need to empty the farm system and trade Bobby Parnell (the most attractive trading chip the Mets have) to get some help. Both Bonds and Sexson would definitely play for the prorated minimum salary that gives the Mets the flexibility to cut them if they don’t work out. It’s a win-win situation that will keep this team moving in the right direction until the injury situation resolves itself.
Murphy clearly isn’t a major league player yet, in the field especially or with the bat. He should be optioned to Triple- A Buffalo. Unfortunately, Fernando Tatis just hasn’t worked out this season. It’s time that the Mets eat the rest of his $1.7 million contract and let him go. That clears two roster spots for Bonds and Sexson.
Let me know your thoughts below in the comments.
The Mets were victimized by a 2-hit shutout thrown by Joel Piniero. His sinker was working against the Mets anemic offense. Although Livan Hernandez pitched very well again, it wasn’t enough to match Piniero. Hernandez went 7 innings giving up 3 runs, 2 earned, after another Daniel Murphy error at first base. Elmer Dessens worked the final two innings without giving up a hit which is a good sign with the Mets overworked bullpen needing some help.
Well, I guess Fernando Nieve is proving us wrong. I thought after his debut first start against the Yankees that he was due for a beating by the Rays. But he was excellent again. Nieve went 6 innings giving up only one run. He’s going to give Tim Redding a run for a spot in the rotation when John Maine and Oliver Perez come back.
Bobby Parnell was roughed up again tonight. He’s still got good velocity but he isn’t fooling anyone. He’s given up 4 runs in 5 innings during the month of June. Compare that to 3 earned runs given up in 11 innings during May. Pitching coach Dan Warthen needs to put in some overtime with Parnell.
Another suprise on offense was Brian Schneider hitting a real bomb for a 3-run homer to right-center field. I never would have expected him to hit one to the deepest part of the park. David Wright had a nice RBI double but he struck out three more times tonight too. That’s 68 K’s for the season now. And Daniel Murphy had another 3 for 4 night to raise his average to .256. So he’s climbing out of the offensive cave that he’s been in. I still don’t think he has enough offense to be a major league first baseman though.
Francisco Rodriguez bounced back nicely from his first (legitimate) blown save last night, when he didn’t appear to have anything. He got a 1-2-3 ninth for the win. It’s good to see a quick recovery from him.
The Pirates completed the sweep of the Mets returning the favor for the Mets sweep at Citi Field. Mike Pelfrey was absolutely awful with the worst performance by a Mets starter in two years. He went 3.2 innings giving up 9 runs (8 earned from a Daniel Murphy error). Pelfrey walked 4 and gave up 9 hits, just an abysmal job.
The Mets offense was pretty good putting up 6 runs, which is normally enough to win a game. Carlos Beltran back from the flu had 2 hits, a double and a home run. David Wright also had 2 hits after his second prolonged slump of the early season. Fernando Martinez had 2 hits as well with Ryan Church looming to come off the disabled list on Sunday. Martinez is trying to make a case to stay in the big leagues.
After the game Beltran told reporters that he is embarrassed by the Mets display in Pittsburgh in the three game series. He didn’t call anyone out in particular, which is good, but someone had to say something after this kind of disaster.
The Mets Report 